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Alternative Reading Week

Alternative Reading Week (ARW) is a short term volunteer program that runs annually during the University of Toronto Scarborough's Reading Week. Students learn to explore the concepts of learning through service, leadership for social change, and community development.

Please keep the following in mind:

All prospective Winter 2018 Alternative Reading Week participants must fill out the following Volunteer Intake Form. Filling out the form does not guarantee you a spot in Winter 2018 Alternative Reading Week.

Please read the site-specific CLN link below for further details.

You must attend one (1) MANDATORY Winter 2018 Alternative Reading Week Volunteer Training and Orientation during the following times:

​​Wednesday, February 7th | 5-7PM | BV 363

Monday, February 12th | 5-7PM | BV 363

Please select only one (1) of the sites from the list below. Events are subject to change based on UTSC and the partnering organizations discretion.

Registration opens on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 12:00PM

Alternative Reading Week Winter 2018 Sites

Habitat for Humanity GTA operates 10 Habitat ReStore retail home improvement stores across the GTA, which sell donated, new and gently-used home furnishings, appliances and home renovation materials at a fraction of the original price. ReStore donations and purchases directly support Habitat home building projects. ReStore also helps the environment by re-purposing thousands of metric tonnes of perfectly usable household materials yearly. Tasks may include: assist in building or setup of furniture, potential custodial or administration duties

Sunflower Developmental Services is a Day Program that is focused on providing support services to individuals who are intellectually disabled and seniors. Tasks include working with the clients teaching and assisting with the learning of basic math, reading, writing, and role modelling. Students with experience working with children, youth and adults with or without special needs are encouraged to apply.

Scarborough Arts (SA) is a non-profit organization; the only arts organization of its kind specifically serving the Scarborough community. In the lead up to our 40th Anniversary, SA needs help looking back at our past! Tasks include: organizing archives, selecting artwork to be displayed at office, and many more. Those interested in arts, community arts, archives, regional and local history are encouraged to apply.

SCHC is multi-service organization that is committed to meeting the diverse holistic health needs of individuals, families and communities within Scarborough is a client-centred, integrated, engaged and proactive organization that continue to work closely with community members that foster partnerships with initiatives that address pressing needs while setting new standards of excellence. Tasks include: distribute food/clothing items to individuals accessing the food support program, prepare food distribution room - sort and stack items in an orderly manner on the shelves, ensure all interactions with individuals are maintained with confidentiality except where required by law to report, and potentially more.

Dr. Roz's Healing Place offers in-school and after school programming that allows children to have a safe place to learn new skills and develop. Tasks include working with the supervisor to plan activities ahead of time. Students should be bringing brainstormed ideas and activities when registered to this site. This site is looking for volunteers who have experience working with children and youth in environments like summer camps, and experience planning activities for children and youth (ex. arts and crafts, sports, academic, etc.)

The Scarborough Child and Family Life Centre offers a wide variety of programs for Aboriginal people in Scarborough. We focus on community capacity building, empowerment and self-determination. Students who have levels of experience, knowledge, or interest with Indigenous cultures are encouraged to apply.

A Toronto-based multi-service organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Tasks may including: emailing and contacting people with accompanying training (ex. on how to contact organizations or companies on future events, or contacting high school students as potential volunteer recruits), as well as setting up and assisting in the running of workshops and programs for youth. Please note: this site has different times for different days.

Beyond academics is an after school program for children ages 6 to 12. This program has been the recipient of the Majors Safety Award, and has risen children grades from F's to A's & B's. Tasks may include: reading with children, helping with math, helping with penmanship, helping with problem solving, and teaching learning how to cooperate with others. Students with an interest in working with students and education are encouraged to apply.

Are you an East Scarborough Community Partner interested in participating in UTSC’s Alternative Reading Week? Please contact cep@utsc.utoronto.ca.

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We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.